Andrew (Miles Teller) is a drummer who wants to be the best. He is at an elite music conservatory, desperate to become part of the top jazz band led by Fletcher (J.K. Simmons). When he does, he finds that Fletcher is a bully, physically and emotionally abusing top performances from his students, and Andrew drives himself to his absolute end to be the best.

The trailers gave me no inspiration to see this film. And I watched it, and found for the most part, it was good, tough, but a pretty decent and strong film. And then I got to the last fifteen-minute scene, and the film was transformed to a work of genius. Just thinking about it a couple of months later moves me. There is a bit of an issue with the almost sole female character in the film, though her character performs a necessary function. It raises the question for me – if a story is essentially about two male characters, should I expect women to be well represented? Some stories are just not about gender. Ah, feminism. I love most of you, but sometimes, you break my brain.

Incidentally, every I know who has seen this film has loved it a lot. That is rare.

Whiplash was nominated for Oscars for Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (J.K. Simmons), Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published (Damien Chazelle), Best Achievement in Editing and Best Achievement in Sound Mixing. Itwon a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (J.K. Simmons) and has been nominated for BAFTAs for Best Supporting Actor (J.K. Simmons), the David Lean Award for Direction (Damien Chazelle), Best Screenplay (Original), Best Editing and Best Sound.